Quote:
Originally Posted by SparklyBunny
I make my own or I use natural oils and butters.
I'm with Sparkly Bunny on this one; I make my own. The cheap and easy option is just to get an oil (favorites ranging from thicker to thinner; coconut, olive, sweet almond, grapeseed, ricebran) and if you want it to smell pretty, GENTLY warm it with herbs and then strain (or just use a couple drops of 100% essential oil).
NOTE: I can't really recommend 'vegetable' oil, because it's usually safflower or canola, or both. Unfortunately, both of these oils actually become rancid very quickly, and are 'deodorized' during processing in order to combat consumer aversion. Erm, at least according to the stuff I read.
It's also pretty easy to make a basic skin butter with 1 part beeswax to 2-3 parts oil - just shave the beeswax with a grater or knife, and toss the whole mix in the microwave (in a micro-safe container!) until the wax is melted. Let it cool slightly, and pour into a container or jar (I love using 4oz mason jars; they have a wide mouth so easy to scoop up 'butter', and beautifully easy to clean).
A lot of the more expensive lotions have refined petroleum byproducts, glycol, silicones, and sometimes alcohol; these make your skin FEEL smoother and more moisturized, but that's because they actually create a film on the surface of your skin.
If you like using lotion (or oil) before bed, I HIGHLY recommend a pair of bed gloves, socks and full-body pj's; your bedlinen will thank you. =)
However, if you choose to purchase, I can also recommend Burt's, as well as Weleda if you feel like splurging. But, personally, I like the cheap option of homemade. Best of luck in your search!